Turkish President Erdogan Delivers Blistering UN Address Condemning Israel's Actions in Gaza

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a sharp condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank during a fiery speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2026, in New York City.

The address prompted the Israeli delegation to walk out of the hall while Palestinian representatives offered applause. During his speech, Erdogan highlighted ongoing military actions in Gaza and escalating violence by settlers in the occupied West Bank.

“With the support of Donald Trump, we contributed to a ceasefire. But despite this so-called ceasefire, more than 1,300 civilians have been murdered in Gaza,” Erdogan stated.

Noting that Hamas and other Palestinian groups accepted the second phase of the October ceasefire framework agreement, he criticized Israel for continuing its military campaign and stated that the West Bank is facing severe challenges due to illegal Israeli settler expansion.

Erdogan characterized Gaza as “the most inhumane, most shameful concentration camp of our time” and warned, “We face a genocidal mindset that can never get enough of killing. No one with humanity, mercy or conscience can turn a blind eye.”

The Turkish leader also directed criticism at the United Nations itself, arguing that the institution has failed in its mission to maintain global peace and stability. He asserted that the UN has been pushed into dysfunction and is losing its effectiveness in regions like Palestine, Lebanon, and Sudan.

Addressing the absence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas—who could not attend after the United States denied him a visa for the second consecutive year—Erdogan promised that Turkey would continue to serve as the voice for a free and sovereign state of Palestine.

In the final portion of his address, Erdogan turned to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the necessity of bringing the war to a close while maintaining Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.